Experiential Therapy in Santa Cruz, CA

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Sitting with oneself, whether in individual, couple or family therapy, is not easy and I see my clients as courageous and hopeful for taking this step. Sometimes therapy is healing and transformational, other times it is simply a space to take some deep breaths. Either way, my practice is always client-centered and compassion-based, being present with you in whatever space you are in. My hope in working with me is that you develop a sense of self-compassion and a strength-based lens to view yourself and your relationships through.

“A longtime meditator and skilled clinician, Tim Desmond offers exceptionally clear, accessible, and insightful guidance in how to facilitate deep transformation while addressing the spectrum of emotional suffering” — Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

I’m forever rediscovering the power of intention. Simply devoting space every week to our inner growth fertilizes a mysterious process with its own trajectory. What we originally feel as pain in our lives may actually be a portal inviting us to love more deeply, live more freely, and be less like everyone else. I love sitting with sensitive individuals with intuitive abilities, unwieldy minds, and a wonderment about how to be their true selves on this bewildering planet because I never know what is going to unfold. I especially enjoy working with spiritual practitioners who want their insights to be wholly embodied in their lives.

I believe in the power of change and the positive impact a supportive therapeutic connection can have in promoting growth and transformation. I offer compassionate caring to clients seeking tools for increased coping, greater self-understanding and relief from emotional pain. As a holistic therapist, I will utilize a blend of cognitive and somatic approaches, paying particular attention to breath and mindfulness. I can assist you in self discovery, teach you new tools for self acceptance, and help you build stronger self-esteem, and resiliency.

I care deeply about supporting people when they feel lonely, stuck and hopeless, and the usual things just aren't working. My clients tend to be high functioning adults who have reached a critical point where something has to give. Often this becomes evident while undergoing a major life transition such as a break up, divorce, the death of a loved one, or a career change. These low points can be scary and painful, but they can also be incredible opportunities for growth and healing. But growing is hard work and sometimes we can't do it on our own.

There are many reasons why a person, a couple, or a family might find themselves feeling stuck, down, disconnected, overwhelmed, or anxious. A significant portion of my education and training is based around helping clients reduce or resolve symptoms associated with their challenges. However, I find that helping clients identify the root of their obstacles—in addition to cultivating skills and strategies to work towards a strong mental and emotional sense of well-being and developing strong connected relationships—is as important as attending to mental, emotional, and relational symptoms.

Your soul is ready to heal. Too many of us are suffering in isolation, with complex challenges and big feelings we were never meant to carry on our own. That's where therapy comes in. I love supporting people with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, co-dependance, and issues around self-worth and self-esteem. Bring me your grief, your sadness, your anxiety and your overwhelm. Bring me your wounded parts, and let's hold them close, together. Once you have a place where you feel seen, heard and held without judgment, you will naturally begin to heal. Allow me to be that place for you today.

Suffering comes in many forms. It is personal and intimate and often times overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. But you don’t have to face it alone. Many people have sought my help for feelings of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and an out of balance work-life; others, for unresolved trauma , PTSD, and other stress-related disorders which keep people trapped in disregulated states of being; still others because they were unhappy with their life and the spark of their passion was dim.

Hi there! My name's Sylvie and my pronouns are she/her and they/them. As a therapist, I am tender with people, tough on systems, and committed to our collective liberation. I've been a mental health worker for over eight years in schools, at a crisis center, and as a family therapist. I'm particularly experienced in and passionate about working with trauma in its many forms, and partnering with you to transform harm into what serves you, your beloved relationships, and the world you want to see. I offer individual counseling with youth and adults and relationship counseling with loved ones of all kinds.

If you prefer efficient approaches that help you to face, heal, and integrate distressing, peak or psychedelic experiences through evidence-based, experiential, somatic, and ancient exercises, contact me. I am a recreational therapist specializing in trauma and transformation, professor, and author of The Map to Wholeness. I will guide you through neurolinguistic programming for emotional breakthroughs, biofeedback to restore harmony in the body, and bilateral stimulation for integration. See me to transform feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and loneliness into self-love, play, peace, and joy so you can become whole.

Life can feel overwhelming for all of us at times, and it’s important to remember you don’t have to figure it out alone. My life path in the healing arts as a yogi, massage practitioner, hypnotherapist, and clinical therapist has led me to the belief that we all have within us the intelligence and resources to navigate through life’s challenges and transitions, and the therapeutic relationship offers space and guidance to bring forth that inner wisdom. Whether addressing anxiety, relational conflict, trauma, or a general sense of disconnection, my approach is rooted in mind and body and spirit all integrating in our work together.

Thank you for your interest in me as your therapist. Starting the journey to find the right fit for a therapist can be difficult and I am here to provide any support and guidance through the process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Social Worker with a focus on children, teens, young adults, and families. I am a Registered Play Therapist and utilize play therapy as a modality in the majority of my work. Play is a critical part of expression and communication for children and youth, but can also be used effectively at any age.

Life can be challenging and it may be difficult trying to manage it alone. Not everyone has someone safe to talk to without judgement or experiencing shame and/or guilt. Do you have a specific issue you want to tackle? Are you experiencing patterns you just want to break free from? Having someone to explore the origins of your struggles/challenges can be liberating. Do you need life skills, communication skills, strategies to manage your mind, mood management techniques to make life more manageable? Being human isn't easy and having someone to process with you w/unconditional regard and acceptance can be freeing and life changing.

Greetings. I provide a safe space for the allowance of your emotions to be compassionately witnessed. My focus is in helping individuals, families & couples move from the murky place of uncertainty into a deeper state of self-knowing, wholeness and empowerment. Through holistic therapy practices I help clients move from the sympathetic nervous system of fight or flight into the calmer parasympathetic state where you are able to access your own inner wisdom to guide you into clarity and healing. I blend mindful, somatic body oriented therapy, Internal Family Systems & Gestalt therapy with a playful, humanistic approach.

Since 1992, I have counseled families, adults and children. I am an EMDR Institute consultant and facilitator, and use EMDR therapy's adaptive information processing to help clients master the challenges encountered in their lives. I received my PhD in international psychology with trauma focus. My specialties include Trauma, Acculturation and Attachment Disorders in clients of all ages. My immigration experience from Germany has prompted the exploration of the crucial part played by our cultural roots in our decision making process and in our lifestyle choices. I speak English, Spanish and German.

I'd be honored to support your healing and personal growth. I love guiding those ready to re-parent themselves and repair wounds of complex trauma. I'm experienced in recovery from emotional neglect or narcissistic abuse, whether from family of origin or a romantic relationship. I love working with couples and families, with an emphasis on those in non-traditional spaces. This includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as blended families/step-parents looking to create a family system that functions in the healthiest way possible. I also offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and support with medicine journey integration.

If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, medical stressors or any related frustrations, I am here to support YOU in working through the daily struggles that come your way. It isn't an easy journey and many in your life may not understand how to help you. I will give you the support and understanding that you are looking for.

Partnering with teens, adolescents, and young adults on their mental health journey, I will create a safe space for my clients and to walk through the challenges they identify. Trust, privacy, safety, and security ensure strong therapeutic relationships; these are my values as a therapist. I am committed to honoring clients' authenticity and willingness to share their stories.